Annie did not suspect that her daughter was after her father's killer. Maria kissed her on the cheek, picked up her duffel bag and hurried out the door. "Mumma, I'm headed to a conference and a seminar in Delhi," she told her. "I'll be home in two weeks." Annie was so used to her daughter's hectic schedule that she barely noticed her absence in the two bedroom apartment. But two weeks was a little too much. Nevertheless, Annie put on a brave face and prayed her daughter have a safe journey.

The tall and petite white-haired woman put on a collared knee-length and half-sleeved baby blue cotton dress, dotted with purple forget-me-not flowers. She left for her Sunday Mass as soon as Maria hopped into her cab and took off.

Annie was a God-fearing religious woman, much to her daughter's dismay. It was strange, really. The same night that snatched away little Maria's faith enveloped a faithless Annie and she sought refuge in...